Prospect Knebel shut down with elbow sprain

MIAMI -- The Rangers are shutting down right-handed reliever Corey Knebel for the remainder of the season because of a sprained right elbow. Knebel will be down for six weeks and be re-examined at the beginning of October. If all goes well, he will begin throwing in November.

Knebel was one of two pitchers acquired from the Tigers for reliever Joakim Soria. Knebel was 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in nine games at Triple-A Round Rock and was a candidate to be called up in September. He pitched in eight games for the Tigers earlier this season.

The Rangers also announced that pitcher Wilmer Font underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow. Font, who pitched in five games for the Rangers in 2012-13, is expected to be ready for Spring Training 2015.

The Rangers are also shutting down right-hander Akeem Bostick because of a groin injury. He was their second-round Draft pick from West Florence High (S.C.) last year. Bostick was 5-6 with a 5.17 ERA in 21 games at Class A Hickory.

In other Minor League pitching developments, the Rangers are serious about taking a hard look at Lisalverto Bonilla as a starter. Bonilla, who was acquired from the Phillies in 2013 in the Michael Young trade, has been a reliever for most of his career. But he has made four starts at Round Rock and has a 3.37 ERA in those games.

"He has three above-average pitches," farm director Mike Daly said. "We have a lot of right-handed relievers. We have a need for a starter and he has been interesting."